Final Up to date
When most Individuals consider jetting off to a tropical paradise, they most likely consider locations like Jamaica, Cancun, or The Bahamas. However do you know there’s a beautiful tropical vacation spot near residence that you simply don’t have to pack your passport for?
For Individuals itching to get a style of the tropics with out leaving the nation, they don’t must look far, as the right vacation spot lies inside straightforward attain — The Florida Keys 🌴.
Combining a number of unbelievable locations in a single, The Florida Keys deserves a high spot in your journey bucket record.
From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are countless alternatives to make your tropical desires come true in The Florida Keys.
The Good Florida Keys Itinerary
There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to remain when visiting the Keys it may be troublesome to select one. The simple resolution to that is, in fact, to select all of them! There’s something in The Keys for everybody, and each Key’s value testing.
It’s additionally extremely straightforward to see all the pieces The Florida Keys has to supply with out breaking the financial institution.
For the last word Keys journey, we extremely recommend flying into Miami, renting a automobile, and road-tripping via The Keys. Better of all, there’s no have to make the trek again to Miami when the holiday sadly involves an finish. Merely drop your rental automobile off at Key West Worldwide Airport and fly residence from there!
Key Largo & Islamorada
The primary cease in your journey will probably be Key Largo, probably the greatest locations to name residence for a couple of nights on a journey via the Keys.
For an ideal spot to name residence base, you may’t go incorrect by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.
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@traveloffpath Reefhouse Resort & Marina – The proper residence base to discover Key Largo🤍 #floridakeys #onlyinthekeys #keylargo #florida #travellife #traveloffpath #summervibes #traveling ♬ Me gustas tú – Tbp🙏🙏🙏
The resort is central to Key Largo’s high points of interest, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has a lot to do on the property, with a tremendous pool, a non-public seaside, and scrumptious meals. Plus, you’re just a few minutes away from Islamorada, which means you may expertise 2 Keys in a single throughout a keep on the Reefhouse Resort.
One of many high issues to do in Key Largo (and the remainder of the Keys for that matter) is to go diving or snorkeling. Don’t fear in case you forgot your masks; the Reefhouse Resort & Marina has a dive store proper on website!
Get Underwater
Talking of diving, don’t let your self cross on the chance to get underwater whereas in Key Largo. This space is residence to a few of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling spots within the U.S. and isn’t to be missed!
If in case you have by no means tried scuba diving and wish to be taught, there isn’t any place higher. In case you are already licensed, you’ll love attending to discover the distinctive underwater panorama the Keys gives.
The common depth when diving within the keys doesn’t usually transcend 30 ft or so, which means you’ll be capable of spend loads of time on the underside saying good day to sting rays and turtles.
When you’re questioning the place to strive diving, give Horizon Divers a name and inform them what you’re on the lookout for. You’ll be able to simply get your self on a morning 2-tank dive to discover the shallow reefs and shipwrecks within the Higher Keys Nationwide Sanctuary, and also you’re assured to have time.
@traveloffpath There’s a lot extra to see underwater in The Keys! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel ♬ Explore The World 2.0 – Brainheart & Sis
Don’t Neglect To Eat
You’ll not go hungry within the Keys. There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to seize a chunk to eat that we may write a novel itemizing all of them out. Nonetheless, there are a couple of that you simply undoubtedly shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has probably the greatest locations to seize a chunk, the well-known Fish House.
The Fish Home has domestically sourced seafood that’s to die for, all served in a unusual “keys-style” restaurant. Simply give them a go to and also you’ll see what we imply. That is the right spot to seize lunch after a morning dive and it ought to undoubtedly be in your record of must-dos.
Plus, there are many alternatives to seize some photographs with family and friends.
@traveloffpath Greatest spot for an after-dive lunch within the Keys. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel #foo ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
An Night In Islamorada
In case you are staying on the Reefhouse or someplace close by, make sure you schedule a day/night to go to Islamorada. That is the Key instantly under Key Largo and is shut sufficient that you may test it out with out having to swap motels.
There are 2 belongings you undoubtedly want so as to add to your record of must-dos in Islamorada, and each are scrumptious.
Firstly, no go to to the Keys is full with out spending a while at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. As you may think about, area is a prized commodity within the Keys, which is a part of what makes this brewery so particular.
The Florida Keys Brewing Firm brews all of their beer proper on-site and is among the solely native breweries that may really say their beer is made proper within the Keys.
@traveloffpath It’s unattainable to not have time right here! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #beer ♬ Don’t Stop Me Now – Remastered 2011 – Queen
Apart from how unbelievable the beer is, the property itself is eclectic and welcoming. Everybody you meet will probably be pleasant and good, and also you’ll be surrounded by unbelievable paintings, superb beer, and a welcoming vibe.
After a beer or two, you’ll really feel like a daily and doubtless begin considering a transfer to the Keys 😅.
After a tour of the brewery, head proper throughout the road for a tremendous sundown dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was one in every of our favourite dinners within the Keys. Not solely was the meals unbelievable, it was lovely. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!
And never solely was the meals scrumptious and exquisite, the surroundings was attractive as effectively. We discovered ourselves pulling out the digicam to attempt to seize the sundown as it could paint a distinct image of the night for you each couple of minutes.
If you wish to really feel like you’re consuming dinner in a lovely portray, that is the place to do it.
Heading South
The higher Keys are lovely, and we already can’t wait to return, however you’re lacking out on a few of the most iconic sights within the Keys in case you finish your journey there.
After spending a while testing Key Largo and Islamorada, make sure you pencil in a couple of days to move down probably the most lovely stretch of freeway within the U.S. to Key West.
And there’s no have to rush; there are nice locations to cease off for a chunk to eat or take within the surroundings alongside the best way.
We left proper at round lunchtime, so we made a cease in Islamorada for a scrumptious meal on the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — make sure you strive their particular Mojito with recent mint!
It’s the right method to cap off your lunch and can go away you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
In your manner right down to Key West, you could end up staring out of the window on the ocean round you.
There isn’t any different freeway within the U.S. that offers fairly the identical feeling because the Abroad freeway, and also you’ll be glad you determined to drive via the Keys.
Remember to cease off on the finish of a bridge or two to take all of it in and seize some photographs.
@traveloffpath That is the prettiest the drive within the USA arms down. #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
Earlier than you make all of it the best way to Key West, think about stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a seaside break. There are award-winning seashores and lovely stretches of sand to arrange camp for a couple of hours. If in case you have snorkeling gear, undoubtedly make sure you discover what’s within the water as effectively!
Choose The Good Resort For You
After catching some solar and sand, you’ll be prepared to move into Key West to your resort (of which there are a lot!).
Relying on what you’re on the lookout for throughout your keep in Key West, there are tons of resort choices to fit your wants. A lot of Key West’s motion is centered round Duval Road, so in case you are coming for the nightlife that could be the place you wish to look.
Nonetheless, we needed to be shut sufficient to the motion to take pleasure in all Key West has to supply with out being proper within the thick of it. We needed to take pleasure in Key West however keep someplace that felt like its personal secluded space away from the remainder of the island.
The Capitana Key West was the right place to name residence that achieved precisely what we had been on the lookout for.
@traveloffpath The Capitana is the perfect residence base for exploring Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ My Addiction – Alex Guesta
From the second you test in you may really feel the calm and enjoyable power of The Capitana.
In case you are staying in the primary resort constructing, you’ll have unbelievable views of the pool and seaside out of your room, however for a extra intimate expertise, we opted for the Two Bed room Cottage.
Many individuals who come to Key West dream of packing up and transferring there after visiting. Staying in a cottage lets you really feel such as you already do!
The property is a good escape that you could possibly spend your entire journey having fun with in case you needed to, and it’s nice for each kind of traveler and occasion measurement.
Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get lively and check out your hand at some badminton. Both manner, you’ll love your keep at The Capitana.
Key West Is Limitless Enjoyable
You’ll have bother deciding what to do with your self as a result of there are countless alternatives to have a tremendous time in Key West, however allow us to enable you to out by sharing some can’t-miss experiences:
Sundown Sail
There are many firms providing sundown sails, and in case you stroll to the Marina, you’ll see indicators for all of them. We determined to move out with Sebago Key West and would completely do it once more!
You’ll head out to the beat of a reside musician whereas the (included) drinks begin to move, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down earlier than taking in a beautiful sundown from a novel perspective.
Hold a watch out for dolphins and turtles. In case you are affected person, you’ll probably spot a couple of.
@traveloffpath Superb method to see one other aspect of Key West with Sebago Key West’s Sundown Sail. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #sailing #boat #sail #floridakeys ♬ Sun Goes Down (feat. Jasmine Thompson) [Radio Mix] – Robin Schulz
Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling
Talking of dolphins, in case you’ve by no means seen them up shut and private, then it’s best to undoubtedly exit on a dolphin watch. We went with Honest Eco, and can’t advocate them sufficient.
They defined a lot about Key West’s dolphin inhabitants and you could possibly inform they cared a fantastic deal in regards to the dolphins and ensuring the expertise was a fantastic one for each people and dolphins.
We had been fortunate sufficient to have some dolphins come proper as much as our boat to say good day, and it was a bucket record merchandise of mine. I’m a little bit of a sucker for animals, and this expertise was surreal. I’ve all the time beloved dolphins and been amazed at their intelligence; I’m not ashamed to say I teared up having them so shut — there’s no expertise fairly prefer it.
In case you are on the fence a few dolphin watch, go forward and guide it, particularly if heading out with Honest Eco.
@traveloffpath What an unbelievable expertise with Sincere Eco in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #boat #diving #dolphin ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves
Hemingway Home
The Hemingway House is a traditional vacationer attraction in Key West, however there’s cause for it. The home itself is attractive, and the historical past behind it’s fascinating.
Most individuals realize it as Ernest Hemingway’s former residence, however earlier than Hemingway owned it, it as soon as belonged to Asa Tift, one of many richest individuals to ever reside in Key West and probably the most well-known wrecker within the space.
Even when the historical past of the house isn’t your factor, it’s enjoyable to see what number of kitties you may spot across the property, all of whom are UNESCO world-heritage protected and allowed to roam the property at will.
@traveloffpath See what number of kitties you may spot on the Hemingway Home in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest #hemingwayhouse ♬ I’m Just a Cat – Simon and the Astronauts
Kayaking Tour
Most of the finest issues to do in Key West are in or on the water, and a kayak tour is one in every of them.
You’ll see all kinds of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to be taught in regards to the significance of the mangroves and their significance within the ocean ecosystem.
Kayaking via the mangroves makes you’re feeling utterly reduce off from the world in probably the most lovely manner and is an expertise it’s best to strive not less than as soon as. For a one in every of a form expertise, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.
@traveloffpath See a novel aspect of Key West throughout a Kayak tour with Lazy Canine Charters. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest ♬ Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay
Meals Strolling Tour
I can’t cease occurring meals excursions! Critically, they’re one of the simplest ways to study a brand new vacation spot and a good way to get the lay of the land at first of your journey.
Not solely do you be taught in regards to the space geographically, however additionally, you will go away with an enormous record of all the perfect locations to eat and drink. Apart from the meals, you’ll additionally be taught in regards to the tradition and historical past of the world.
In Key West’s case, you’ll by no means be quick on historical past, tradition, or meals to pattern. Round each nook, there may be one other story ready to be informed and a brand new one able to unfold. There may be a lot fascinating historical past in Key West, and it’s actually probably the most distinctive locations within the U.S.
To get probably the most out of this expertise, we went with Key West Food Tours, and the tour didn’t disappoint.
@traveloffpath Meals excursions are a good way to get to know a vacation spot, particularly Key West! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #foodie ♬ Don’t Worry Be Happy – The Hit Crew
Meals, Meals, And Extra Meals
We mentioned above that you simply wouldn’t go hungry within the Higher Keys, and the identical holds true in Key West. There are 1,000,000 meals choices which can be all unbelievable, every with their very own distinctive Key West aptitude. Definitely don’t prohibit your self to our record, however a few of our favorites embrace:
- Half Shell Raw Bar – When you love oysters, that is your spot! Proper within the Marina, you may take pleasure in your meal figuring out you’re consuming a few of the freshest seafood cash should buy.
- Milagro – Chef Kevin has labored with Michelin Star cooks for many of his profession and took that have to create a restaurant with 5-star delicacies in an off-the-cuff, bistro surroundings. The meals is deliciously decadent in a extra laid-back setting — in true Key West trend.
- Blue Heaven Key West – The most iconic brunch spot in Key West and a particular should. Not solely is the meals scrumptious, however you’ll really feel such as you stepped into one other world the second you cross the edge of the doorway.
No Keys Expertise Is The Identical
It’s an unlucky truth of life that each trip should finally come to an finish, however some locations are value endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is unquestionably one in every of them.
There’s a cause so many vacationers come right here time and time once more, and each go to to The Keys will reveal one thing new and thrilling.
We beloved our time in The Keys and, like so many others, will probably be coming again the primary probability we get!
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